Visiting St Heliers

Visiting Auckland? Do you want to make the most of your time?

Here are some great half and full day Auckland guides on where to go and what to do with your visit to St Heliers, your village by the sea.

Transport

There are two main options for bus travel getting to St Heliers.

If you’re planning on a full day excursion, we recommend you go for the day hop pass. This can be purchased from Britomart, or you can go to the downtown ferry terminal. You can book these tickets on the Auckland Transport website.

The standard pricing is $10, plus $18 for a day pass. This will get you out to St Heliers with stops along the way.

If you’re planning a half day trip, we recommend you purchase your ticket on the bus instead, and stay on all the way to St Heliers.

Half Day

You have only half a day in Auckland – no problem we have that sorted! The great attraction for visiting St Heliers, mainly departing from the city is a lovely scenic route to your destination. Whether you hire a car or catch a bus, the drive along our famous Tamaki waterfront ensures you are still on holiday.

For a half-day excursion, this is very easy to do with regular buses from Britomart only a 10 min walk from Princess Wharf. Remember to catch the big blue bus that leaves every 15 mins. Feel free to grab breakfast or a coffee from Britomart, there are plenty of great places to choose from before you catch the bus.

First place of interest is gorgeous Okahu Bay; this is a sandy beach that enjoys a picturesque setting with a view of Devonport and Hauraki Gulf. As we are the city of sails, take in all our boats out on the water and plenty of ferries setting off to further afield. Stay on the bus at this point as plenty more to see.

Next place is Sealife Kelly Tarlton’s which the blue bus stops directly at, I recommend a stop and quick visit especially if you have children as the under the sea experience is the nearest you can get to some of the most significant predators from the ocean. Don’t forget the sub-Antarctic penguins offering the opportunity to see these birds up close in their icy domain.

Continue your journey around the waterfront gazing at the water and our impressive dormant volcano Rangitoto, you will come through to Mission Bay which has a spectacular fountain set in Selwyn reserve, quite a hive of activity. This area is very popular with dog walkers, runners, cyclists enjoying our waterfronts dual pathway. Add fountain around the corner; you will reach Kohimarama, a small Auckland suburb but with another sandy beach. If the weather is perfect and you feel like a stroll, it is an easy 15 min walk from here to St Heliers beach, playground, shops and cafes.

Otherwise stay on the bus, and your next stop is St Heliers main village.

For your half day visit, come and enjoy a spot of lunch at one of our amazing restaurants overlooking our gorgeous sandy beach, please check our website to see which one works for you. There are also plenty of cafes to pick up a little hamper of goodies especially if you want to have a picnic at the beach, grab a coffee or some delicious all-natural handcrafted ice cream. Let the children loose at the playground while taking in the relaxed atmosphere and the fresh sea air.

Spend time and enjoy our historic village which is very easy and flat to walk around. Visit our plethora of different shops from clothing to eyewear, shoes, books or gifts aplenty to add to your travel memories. We are very child-friendly, we offer a safe environment that you can enjoy spending time in our village with our local community. We offer plenty of free and accessible parking. Just take a look at our youtube video and decide for yourself.

Full Day

You have a whole day that’s perfect. St Heliers makes a perfect day destination as you can enjoy the sights and have the time to enjoy it a little longer.

The great attraction for visiting St Heliers, mainly departing from the city is a lovely scenic route to your destination. Whether you hire a car or catch a bus, the drive along our famous Tamaki waterfront ensures you are still on holiday. For a full day excursion this is very easy to do with regular buses from Britomart only a 10 min walk from Princess Wharf, remember to catch the big blue bus, and it leaves every 15 mins. Feel free to grab breakfast or a coffee from Britomart there are plenty of great places to choose from before you catch the bus.

First place of interest is gorgeous Okahu Bay; this is a sandy beach that enjoys a picturesque setting with a view of Devonport and Hauraki Gulf. As we are the city of sails, take in all our boats out on the water and plenty of ferries setting off to further afield. Just around the corner is a famous waterfront feature called Fergs Kayaks, here you can hire a bike, roller blades or merely get out on the water and try an hours’ worth of Kayaking or paddle boarding. Check out their website for prices.

Next place is Sealife Kelly Tarlton’s which the blue bus stops directly at, I recommend a stop and quick visit especially if you have children as the under the sea experience is the nearest you can get to some of the most significant predators from the ocean. Don’t forget the sub-Antarctic penguins offering the opportunity to see these birds up close in their icy domain. Always great to do when the weather is not the best but to make your day outing successful in finishing at St Heliers I recommend only doing one of these attractions. (Add the link for pricing)

If you are driving or fancy a walk with panoramic views then just beyond Kelly Tarlton’s is Bastion Point an elevated historical reserve provides excellent views across the Waitemata Harbour, Rangitoto and the Auckland city skyline. Bastion Point is remembered NZ history for its role in 1970s Maori protests against forced land alienation. Also features the home of the Savage memorial for NZs first labour prime minister Michael Joseph Savage. There are carparks and toilets suitable for families and no charge.

Continue your journey around the waterfront gazing at the water and our impressive volcano Rangitoto; you will come through to Mission Bay which has a spectacular fountain set in Selwyn reserve, quite a hive of activity but keep on going, plenty more to see. This area is very popular with dog walkers, runners, cyclists enjoying our waterfronts dual pathway.

Around the corner, you will reach Kohimarama a small Auckland suburb but with another sandy beach. If the weather is perfect and you feel like a stroll, it is an easy 15 min walk from here to St Heliers beach, playground, shops and cafes. Otherwise stay on the bus, and your next stop is St Heliers main village.

For your day visitors come to enjoy a leisurely spot of lunch at one of our fabulous restaurants overlooking our supreme sandy beach, please check our website to see which one works for you. We have some beautiful wines for you to enjoy if you want to unwind. There are also plenty of cafes and takeaway outlets to pick up a little hamper of goodies especially if you’re going to have a picnic at the beach, grab a coffee or some delicious all natural handcrafted ice cream. Let the children loose at the playground while taking in the relaxed atmosphere and the fresh sea air. There are plenty of outside seats along the beach with some even under the shade of our trees.

Spend plenty of time and enjoy our historic village, very easy and flat to walk around and visit our unique array of clothing to eyewear, shoes, books or gifts plenty to see. We are very child-friendly, we offer a safe environment that you can enjoy spending time in our village with our village community. Since you have a full day you might want to engage in some pampering with getting your nails painted we have two nail bars, two beauty therapy rooms and two hair salons. Make the most of being away but still only 30 mins back into the city. We also offer plenty of free and accessible parking.

If you are taking in a day out in St Heliers check out our website for plenty of walks or enjoy our boulevard to stroll along very wheelchair and pram friendly and if you are lucky to watch one of NZ’s most beautiful sunsets while just enjoying the end of your relaxing day. Don’t believe me check out our youtube video.